The Anatomy of Wings
by Karen Foxlee
List Price: $16.99
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375856433
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Karen Foxlee was born in Mount Isa, Queensland, in 1971. She has worked most of her adult life as a registered nurse. She has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in creative writing and lives in Gympie. In 2006, Karen was awarded the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award for Best Emerging Author, an award that resulted in the publication of The Anatomy of Wings. The novel has since been picked up by an American publisher. Karen is working on her next book.
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Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Quiet, creative, compassionate person who loves family and friends, but I am also an obsessive worrier.
Q: What are your interests, hobbies, and favorite pastimes?
A: Writing obviously. Also being with my baby, reading, my afternoon walk, gardening, family lunches, traveling.
Q: What people or events have influenced you?
A: My mother, who always read to me and encouraged my creativity, all the hundreds of stories and craft projects, etc., etc. --- even though it must have driven her mad. And who also was the only person that looked at me, when I said I was going to give it my best shot at writing a novel, as though she believed me and knew I could do it.
Q: What books from your childhood do you particularly enjoy?
A: Ira Levin’s This Perfect Day, Mika Waltari’s Sinuhe the Egyptian, Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz series, and anything by Enid Blyton.
Q: When and how did you first start writing and illustrating?
A: I always wrote from when I was very little --- stories and poems --- but in my late twenties after the death of my dad, I decided I was going to give it a go and try and get something published. I went back to university and did my major in Creative Writing and all the time was writing The Anatomy of Wings. I entered it in the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and won, and the book was published the following year.
Q: Where do you get ideas or inspiration for your work?
A: I’m constantly thinking of ideas. I guess they come from so many different places, from what I’m reading, things I’ve seen or overheard, memories and dreams. I must admit I can’t imagine not getting through a day without thinking of an idea for a story.
© Copyright 2012 by Karen Foxlee. Reprinted with permission by Knopf Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.
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